How to Successfully Leverage Networking (Both In-Person & With Your Podcast)

Check Out Let’s Blow This Up On Your Favorite Platform

Networking Isn’t Optional — It’s the Engine Behind Every Business Move That Matters

Let’s stop pretending that success happens in a vacuum.

Whether you’re trying to grow your brand, land new clients, or just get something off the ground, none of it happens without people. Wait, hang on…the right people.

Relationships drive every opportunity in business. Period.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with my friend Julie Brown – keynote speaker, author of This Shit Works, and someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes networking – on a recent episode of Let’s Blow This Up to really, really dig into how genuine, authentic connections are made. In-person, virtually, and through podcasting.

And, as expected, Julie brought the goods!

If you’re still treating networking like a checkbox task or avoiding it because it feels awkward, this one’s for you.

Networking in 2025: More Access, Fewer Excuses

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we all got cozy behind our screens for a while. But now that in-person events are back in full swing, showing up matters again.

And yes, that means putting on real clothes.

Despite the fact the Internet offers a lot of ways to connect with like-minded professionals (including podcasting…more on that in a moment), in-person networking events still carry a lot of weight and can significantly help you achieve your goals.

It all comes down to your strategy. As Julie and I discussed, you can’t just fire your business cards at everyone in the room and expect results. Go into each event with a goal and focus on having meaningful conversations that stimulate connection.

Don’t think about closing sales…think about building relationships. Then build from there.

Podcasting: The Most Overlooked Networking Power Play

Most people still treat podcasts like a marketing tool. That’s fine because they absolutely are. But not emphasizing the built-in networking element of podcasting is a huge miss.

Podcasts are networking gold (if you know how to use them effectively).

Here’s what most podcasters miss:

You can connect with anyone if you have a show worth being on.
The mic creates instant rapport that a cold email or DM never will.
Relationships built in conversation often lead to bigger business moves.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: podcasting is the most underutilized form of digital networking out there.

If you’re a host, start inviting people you actually want to know.

If you’re a guest, treat every episode like the start of a professional relationship.

Think You’re Bad at Networking? You’re Probably Better Than You Think

Not loud? Not extroverted? Don’t care for working a room?

Good.

Turns out, introverts often crush it at networking — because they listen more, speak with purpose, and don’t treat people like stepping stones.

Julie shares why introverts have a natural edge:

They build stronger, more intentional relationships.
They tend to follow up and follow through.
They don’t spray and pray with LinkedIn connections.

Networking isn’t about volume. It’s about connection.

Tactical Ways to Level Up Your Networking Game

Here’s what Julie recommends to actually make your networking efforts count:

Know who you want to connect with (before the event or interview).
Prepare specific questions and talking points.
Follow up after with context, not a generic “great to meet you.”
Stay top of mind by showing up consistently (without being annoying).

And if you’re podcasting, treat every interaction as a door opener, not a content grab.

Networking is a critical driver of business growth, and modern professionals need to approach it with intention and clarity. Whether in-person or online, creating strong relationships opens the door to opportunity. Podcasting stands out as one of the most effective digital networking platforms when used strategically.